Many guys experience some soreness after sex from time to time. The chafing caused by penetration or aggressive masturbation can irritate the penis skin, resulting in oversensitivity and pain. However pain during the sexual act can indicate that something more is going on. While most causes of penis pain are not serious and can be easily treated, knowing how to take care of the penis can prevent ongoing problems. Some of the most frequently seen penis issues are described below, along with tips for protecting sensitive skin and keeping the penis healthy and responsive.

Infection

Skin infections of the penis are common, and they can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Redness, swelling of the penis skin, itching and burning, painful intercourse, unpleasant odors and a whitish, chunky discharge are all common indicators of penis infection.

Thrush, or yeast infection - the same type that affects women - can cause painful penis symptoms like those described above. Men with an intact foreskin are especially prone to developing yeast infection, but circumcised men may also be affected. Fungal infections such as jock itch (or tinea cruris, as it is technically known) can cause a red, spreading rash and severe itching or burning that becomes worse on sexual contact.

While most men will experience some type of penis skin infection from time to time, the chances of frequent problems can be reduced by keeping the area clean and well-moisturized, as well as supporting penis health through the use of anti-bacterial and immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Guys who develop an infection after unprotected sex or who experience flu-like symptoms in addition to a sore or inflamed penis should seek medical treatment to rule out the likelihood of an STD.

Allergic reactions Skin sensitivities and allergies can sometimes lead to painful intercourse and other uncomfortable penis symptoms. Vaginal fluids, lubricants, spermicides and the latex used in many condoms may cause allergic reactions.

Avoiding skin irritants, using non-latex condoms, and supporting overall penis skin health by keeping the skin well-moisturized and healthy can prevent adverse effects that can impair the enjoyment of sex.

Phimosis

Uncircumcised men who have difficulty retracting their foreskin or experience pain during intercourse may have a condition known as phimosis, which occurs when the foreskin is too tight to be withdrawn over the head of the penis. In this case, the glans, or head of the penis, may also be extremely sensitive to the touch, making intercourse a painful ordeal instead of a pleasurable experience.

Slowly retracting the foreskin with the help of skin-conditioning vitamins and moisturizers and gently introducing the head of the penis to manual stimulation may help to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by phimosis.

Bent or curved penis

A penis that bends or curves during an erection may result in painful or difficult intercourse. Curvature of the penis is often the result of scar tissue forming under the penis skin. Men who have experienced a traumatic penis injury are more likely to develop this problem. When the penis is visibly deformed, to the degree that sex is painful or simply not possible, Peyronie’s disease may be diagnosed. While the curvature may be surgically corrected, medical procedures can lead to problems with sexual function. Nourishing the penis with nutrients like vitamin C, which is needed to sustain healthy connective tissue of the penile skin, may help to prevent the formation of scar tissue that is believed to lead to a bent or curved penis.

Soothing and protecting the penis skin

Eliminating penis pain and protecting the penis from painful infections, irritation and skin reactions depends in part on skin nutrients and moisturizers that can be found in a high-quality penis health crème (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A penis health formula that contains skin-soothing vitamins and moisturizers can help to maintain the integrity of the penile tissue, as well as preventing infectious agents from penetrating the penis skin and causing soreness, swelling and painful intercourse.